Is it best to test out before or during a degree plan?

[desireelws50]

I am planning to enroll in a liberal art bachelor degree. I want to know did most of you think its better to test out the first two years of college and enroll later or enroll part-time and test out as many as I can. I do have a 1k in savings I can use for testing out but it would be easier if I was enrolled and had access to financial (student loans ex) aid. Which method did most of you use when testing out to reduce cost?

[jsd]

I think the general consensus is to enroll upfront to lock in a specific catalog and avoid changes that can negatively effect your plan. Though some people feel otherwise -- I believe dfrecore is a big proponent of waiting. She can explain her position on this much better than I could, if course.

It's an often debated issue here.

[dfrecore]

I am planning to enroll in a liberal art bachelor degree. I want to know did most of you think its better to test out the first two years of college and enroll later or enroll part-time and test out as many as I can. I do have a 1k in savings I can use for testing out but it would be easier if I was enrolled and had access to financial (student loans ex) aid. Which method did most of you use when testing out to reduce cost?

I've since changed my mind and agree with enrolling.

BUT, that is only if you know what school you want to go to, and plan on going through with a well thought-out degree plan. If you're not sure yet, then I might start taking courses/exams first to see if I want to go that route before committing.

Also, I would not take student loans out for any reason. Just me, but I hate them. With the price of a degree from one of the big 3, there's just no reason to go into debt for a degree.